South Africa - Ouch!

We live in a funny old country.Only 16 years ago Nelson Mandela was still in Prison on Robin Island.Apartheid was breathing out its dying Gasp.White South Africa was about to move forward to a new untested formula of a non-racial South Africa.A governement of national unity - power sharing, a new constitution in the making

Fast forward (a bit) Nelson released, multi national (read multi-racial) elections. new President, new constitution. No bloodshed (although this was predicted by a few die hards - called "bittereindes" in South Africa). We win the Rugby world Cup. We win the Africa cup of Nations (soccer) we do quite well in the World cup soccer reaching he knockout stage (quite an achievement)

.We are the Rainbow nation, the darlings of the world.

Then fast forward a bit more, a dose of reality, Black empowerment becomes a fact of life. This is supposed to share wealth and give those oppressed souls from the past an opportunity for upliftment.Redress the wrongs of the past. Land repatriation based on historical land claims. Reality is that a few become very wealthy, but nothing really changes for the masses. We have unprecedented economic growth. Markets grow, all looks good.

Many South Africans who left South Africa at the beginning of New South Africa are returning home - somewhat of a diaspora.

More reality! Corruption, arms deal - Tony Yengeni jailed. Minister of health is an aids denialist while aids ravages South Africa's youth. Manto Thsabala advocates garlic and beetroot as treatment instaed of "dangerous" anti-retrovirals! Shabir Shake jailed, Jacob Zuma implicated and indited for corruption.Jacob zuma charged with Rape. He is acquitted but admits that he had consensual sex with the complainant (who is HIV positive!). Never mind, he took a shower afterwards.

Polekwane conference - the same Jacob Zuma elected president of he ANC (the ruling party). Th President Mbeki becomes a 'lame duck" president. He persues 'quiet diplomacy' while Zimbabwe has an electoral crisis of note. Mugabe refuses to give up Power.

Next problem Electricity crisis Eskom the sole power provider can no lnger meet demands for power. Our economic growth, new homes, businesses real estate development have pushed us to a point where power demand exceeds supplier. We introduce a new concept - rolling blackouts country wide to reduce load - load shedding (see my hub on this topic). High crime, unemployment at the lower end of the scale. Poor border control. influx of migrants from Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Anger from the locals. Xenophobia and xenophobic killings. Migrants are protected in makeshift camps whilst tens of thousands return to their country of origin.

Why does this sound and look like prewar Germany. are many of th problems similiar. Lebensraum victimisation prejudice and finally war!

Is history not just repeating itself? I hope not